Things To Do
in Roanoke
Roanoke is a city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, United States. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The city also has a rich history, with cultural attractions such as the Roanoke Star and the Taubman Museum of Art.
In addition, Roanoke has a diverse culinary scene with a variety of restaurants offering everything from Southern comfort food to farm-to-table dining experiences.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. After breakfast, take a stroll through the beautiful parks in the area.
Visit the Virginia Museum of Transportation for some interesting exhibits. Don't miss the chance to explore local shops downtown.
Enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant with farm-to-table options. Wind down by catching a live music performance nearby.
Head to Mill Mountain Park for a hike and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic spots.
Continue your adventure by visiting the Roanoke Star for a stunning photo op. Explore the surrounding trails for some more engaging nature time.
Grab dinner at a casual eatery specializing in Southern cuisine. Relax under the stars, reflecting on your day of exploration.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and cultural heritage, including the famous Roanoke Colony.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other cities in the U.S.
- Growing arts and music scene, with local galleries and festivals.
- Access to outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
- Limited job market in certain industries, which may lead to lower economic opportunities.
- Can experience harsh winters with significant snowfall.
- Public transportation options are limited, making a car necessary.
- Higher crime rates in certain neighborhoods.
- Less diversity in terms of cultural and ethnic representation compared to larger cities.
Best Activities in Roanoke
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail.
Discover the natural beauty of Roanoke by biking, walking, or running along the Roanoke Valley Greenways, a network of paved trails that wind through parks, neighborhoods, and scenic areas.
Take a trip to Mill Mountain Park and see the iconic Roanoke Star, the largest freestanding illuminated man-made star in the world, and enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
Tours
Uncover the best of Roanoke with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Roanoke
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of the Roanoke Valley and is an iconic spot for photos, especially with the illuminated Roanoke Star.
A beautiful reservoir surrounded by scenic trails and hills, perfect for capturing natural landscapes and wildlife.
Known for its unique architectural salvage items and vintage decor, providing an eclectic backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Roanoke
Roanoke Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty Southern breakfast staple, featuring fluffy biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy. Try the renowned rendition at The Roanoker Restaurant.
Must-Try!
Indulge in tender, slow-cooked ribs, basted in smoky barbecue sauce at Blues BBQ Co. Known for their authentic flavors and generous portions.
Visit Black Dog Salvage to savor their signature sandwich, filled with smoked turkey, bacon, homemade pimento cheese, and tangy jalapeno jelly.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Roanoke better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the City Market Building, home to a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delectable street food. Don't miss the diverse array of food trucks offering global flavors!
Experience the vibrant farmers' markets in Roanoke such as the Historic Roanoke City Market and Grandin Village Community Market, where you can sample local treats and handcrafted delights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Roanoke, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversation.
It is common courtesy to greet others with a smile and a simple 'hello' or 'good morning' in Roanoke, as a sign of respect and friendliness.
Punctuality is highly valued in Roanoke, so it's important to arrive on time for appointments and social engagements as a sign of respect for others' time.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Roanoke with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Roanoke
Ensure a smooth experience
In Roanoke, tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, and for services such as taxis, hairdressers, and hotel housekeeping. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Roanoke, United States is commonly done using credit or debit cards, as well as cash. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payment options are also becoming increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for blooming flowers and outdoor activities.
Ideal for beautiful foliage and outdoor festivals.
Great for outdoor adventures and music festivals.
Perfect for holiday events and outdoor winter sports.
Roanoke at Night
Hiking in Roanoke
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular urban park featuring various trails, scenic overlooks, and the iconic Mill Mountain Star.
Offers a network of trails for hiking and biking, with beautiful views of Carvins Cove and a variety of ecosystems.
Surrounding Roanoke, this forest has numerous hiking trails ranging in difficulty, with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
A famous hiking trail that runs nearby, offering long-distance hiking options with breathtaking landscapes.
Provides a moderate hiking experience with rewarding views at the summit, accessible from several trailheads.
Aiports
How to reach Roanoke by plane.
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, this major airport is one of the busiest in the United States and serves as a hub for American Airlines.
Located in Chantilly, Virginia, Dulles International serves the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and offers numerous international flights.
Situated in Atlanta, Georgia, this is the world's busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers, providing extensive domestic and international services.
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, BWI serves the D.C. area and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Situated in Morrisville, North Carolina, RDU serves the Research Triangle region and offers a variety of domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest racial demographic in Roanoke, comprising a significant majority of the population.
The second largest demographic group in Roanoke, with a notable presence.
A growing demographic in Roanoke, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
Includes various subgroups, representing a smaller percentage of the population.
This group includes individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds.
A small demographic group, but an important part of the cultural heritage of the region.
A very small demographic group within Roanoke, contributing to the area's diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
American football is a popular sport in Roanoke, with many local high schools and colleges having competitive teams. The Roanoke College Maroons and local youth leagues engage the community.
Basketball has a strong following in Roanoke, with numerous schools and recreational leagues for different age groups, emphasizing both youth engagement and community participation.
Soccer enjoys popularity in Roanoke, with various youth leagues and adult recreational leagues encouraging participation across the community, including clubs for different skill levels.
Baseball has a long-standing tradition in Roanoke, with local teams and leagues like the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, fostering community and sporting events during the summer months.
With its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking is a popular outdoor activity in Roanoke, attracting residents and visitors for its scenic trails and natural beauty.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Roanoke.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Roanoke offer diverse and flavorful vegetarian and vegan dishes, catering to the growing plant-based community. Explore the menus at The Green Goat and Tuco's Taqueria Garaje for enticing options.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy a variety of gluten-free offerings at popular eateries like STEAM Coffee + Eatery, renowned for its gluten-free pastries and breakfast items.